‘It’s not much of a town as far as I’ve heard,’ he said, ‘and I ain’t ’ad no breakfast. And my ’eart’s set on doing my duty by my mate. I’ll go from door to door but I’ll find that woman, blast her. She’s a proud ’un, I know, and thinks herself a lady. I’ll have it out with her, I will, afore I go.’ ‘In that case,’ said Mrs. Sandford, ‘I can’t give you the money which I offered you: and I meant to give you something for your breakfast too--and I must speak to the constable, for we cannot have you about the village, Mr.---- I don’t know what your name is. To have you here frightening all the poor people would never do.’ She gave him a lofty nod of her little head, and turned away: but the man, after all, was not willing to relinquish present advantage for problematical good. He made a stride after her, which frightened her very much, and took away all her pretty colour, but not the courage in her heart. ‘Lady,’ he said, ‘if you tell me on your honour that woman ain’t here--them folks all said so, but I didn’t believe ’em: and if you’ll give me--say ten shillin’--over and above the fare, as you promised---- ’ A gleam of eagerness came into Mrs. Sandford’s eyes; but she controlled herself. ‘I can assure you,’ she said, ‘the woman is not here.’ She had grown quite pale, and, though she smiled still, her countenance was drawn with terror, perhaps, or some other feeling. ‘You’re frightened of me, lady,’ the man said, ‘but you hain’t got no cause. I’m rough enough, but a lady as speaks kind and don’t try to bully a poor fellow--or go talking about the police--and besides I couldn’t do nothin’ to you. The men would be on me afore we could say Jack---- And I’m pretty sure as it’s the truth, and May’s wife ain’t here. She’s a proud one, she is. She’s maybe gone out of the country, or changed her name, or summat. Gi’ me ten shillin’ and I’ll go away.’ ‘You had better go to the clergyman,’ said Mrs. Sandford. ‘Gi’ me ten shillin’,’ said the man. ‘Oh, perhaps I am doing what is wrong; perhaps I ought to speak to the constable. I’m not a person with any authority, and why should I interfere?’ ‘Gi’ me ten shillin’,’ he repeated, coming close to her, holding out his hand. ‘Will you go away if I do? Perhaps you had better see the clergyman. I’ve no right to interpose to send you away. Will you go if I do?’ He nodded, watching her trembling hands as she took out her purse and felt in it, pressing very close to her, rubbing against her silk gown with his rough dress; and, as it happened by ill-luck, Mrs. Sandford had but a sovereign in her purse. When he saw it he put his hand upon hers suddenly, and crushed the little fingers together which held the golden coin. ‘Gi’ me that,’ he said, with his hot breath in her face, ‘gi’ me that, or afore any o’ them can get to ye I’ll knock you down; and they can’t do anything as bad to me.’